Overview
Social networking sites such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter are now widely used and these types of media allow people to communicate in ways that were not previously possible. Unfortunately, such sites can be used inappropriately by some as a means of expressing negative or offensive views about members of CRUFC. This document sets out our approach to member use of such sites and sets out the procedures that will be followed and action that may be taken when it is considered that members have used such facilities inappropriately. Where there is a reference to “member” in this document this also includes parents, carers, relatives, or anyone associated with the Cockermouth Rugby Club.

Objectives
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Encourage social networking sites to be used in a beneficial and positive way by members
• Safeguard children, members and anyone associated with the Cockermouth Rugby Club from the negative effects of social networking site
• Safeguard the reputation of the Cockermouth Rugby Club from unwarranted abuse on social networking sites
• Clarify what Cockermouth Rugby Club considers to be appropriate and inappropriate use of social networking sites by members
• Set out the procedures Cockermouth Rugby Club will follow where it is considered that members have inappropriately or unlawfully used social networking sites to the detriment of Cockermouth Rugby Club, member, Children or anyone else associated with the Club
• Set out the action the Club will consider taking if members make inappropriate use of social networking sites.
Creating a group chat room:
When setting up any forum/chatroom it is essential that the safeguarding officer is also included in the group.
No children are to be contacted through this media, only adults.
Appropriate use of social networking sites by members.
Social networking sites have potential to enhance the learning and achievement of Children and enable members to access information about Cockermouth Rugby Club and provide feedback efficiently and easily. In addition, the Club recognises that many members and other family members will have personal social networking accounts which they might use to discuss/share views about Cockermouth Rugby Club issues with friends and acquaintances. As a guide, individuals should consider the following prior to posting any information on social networking sites about Cockermouth Rugby Club, members, Children or anyone else associated with the Club:
• Is the social networking site the appropriate channel to raise concerns, give this feedback or express these views?
• Would a private and confidential discussion with someone in the Club be more appropriate? If there are serious allegations being made/concerns being raised, social media or internet sites should not be used to name individuals and make abusive comments. Please contact the Safeguarding Officer at the Club to discuss any concerns you may have
• Are such comments likely to cause emotional or reputational harm which would not be justified, particularly if the Cockermouth Rugby Club has not yet had a chance to investigate a complaint?
• The reputational impact that the posting of such material may have to the Cockermouth Rugby Club, any detrimental harm that the Cockermouth Rugby Club may suffer as a result of the posting and the impact that such a posting may have on children’s learning.
Inappropriate use of social networking sites by members
Although social networking sites may appear to be the quickest and easiest way to express frustrations or concerns about the Club and those associated with it, it is rarely appropriate to do so. Other channels such as a private and confidential discussion with the Chairman or member of the Committee, or using the Cockermouth Rugby Club’s formal complaints process are much better suited to this. The Cockermouth Rugby Club considers the following examples to be inappropriate uses of social networking sites. (This list is non-exhaustive and intended to provide examples only):
• Naming children or posting any comments about children who attend Cockermouth Rugby Club
• Making allegations about a member or anyone else connected with Cockermouth Rugby Club
• Making any posts that could be deemed to be cyber-bullying
• Making complaints about the Club or member at the Cockermouth Rugby Club
• Making defamatory statements about the Club or member at the Club
• Posting negative or offensive comments about member or any other individual connected to Cockermouth Rugby Club
• Posting racist comments
• Posting comments which threaten violence
Members should also ensure that their children are not using social networking and other internet sites in an inappropriate manner. It is expected that members explain to their children what is acceptable to post online. Members are also expected to monitor their children’s online activity, including in relation to their use of social media. Please note that most social networking sites require the user to be at least 14 years old.
Procedure the Cockermouth Rugby Club will follow if inappropriate use continues
Cockermouth Rugby Club will always try to deal with concerns raised by members in a professional and appropriate manner and understands that members may not always realise when they have used social networking sites inappropriately. Therefore, as a first step the Club will usually discuss the matter with the member to try and resolve it and to ask that the relevant information be removed from the social networking site in question. If the member refuses to do this and continues to use social networking sites in a manner the Club considers inappropriate, the Club will consider taking the following action:
• Take legal advice from the RFU and/or legal action where the information posted is defamatory in any way or if the circumstances warrant this
• Set out the Club’s concerns to you in writing, giving you a warning and requesting that the material in question is removed
• Contact the police where the Club feels it appropriate – for example, if it considers a crime (such as harassment) has been committed or in cases where the posting has a racial element, is considered to be grossly obscene, grossly offensive or is threatening violence
• If the inappropriate comments have been made on a Cockermouth Rugby Club website or online forum, the Club may take action to block or restrict that individual’s access to that website or forum
• Contact the host/provider of the social networking site to complain about the content of the site and ask for removal of the information
• Take other legal action against the individual